Transmission gate-based spin-transfer torque memory unit

ABSTRACT

A transmission gate-based spin-transfer torque memory unit is described. The memory unit includes a magnetic tunnel junction data cell electrically coupled to a bit line and a source line. A NMOS transistor is in parallel electrical connection with a PMOS transistor and they are electrically connected with the source line and the magnetic tunnel junction data cell. The magnetic tunnel junction data cell is configured to switch between a high resistance state and a low resistance state by passing a polarized write current through the magnetic tunnel junction data cell. The PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor are separately addressable so that a first write current in a first direction flows through the PMOS transistor and a second write current in a second direction flows through the NMOS transistor.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/170,549, filed on Jul. 10, 2008. The entire disclosure of applicationSer. No. 12/170,549 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Fast growth of the pervasive computing and handheld/communicationindustry generates exploding demand for high capacity nonvolatilesolid-state data storage devices. It is believed that nonvolatilememories, especially flash memory, will replace DRAM to occupy thebiggest share of memory market by 2009. However, flash memory hasseveral drawbacks such as slow access speed (˜ms write and ˜50-100 nsread), limited endurance (˜10³-10⁴ programming cycles), and theintegration difficulty in system-on-chip (SoC). Flash memory (NAND orNOR) also faces significant scaling problems at 32 nm node and beyond.

Magnetro-resistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) is another promisingcandidate for future nonvolatile and universal memory. MRAM featuresnon-volatility, fast writing/reading speed (<10 ns), almost unlimitedprogramming endurance (>10¹⁵cycles) and zero standby power. The basiccomponent of MRAM is a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ). Data storageis realized by switching the resistance of MTJ between a high-resistancestate and a low-resistance state. MRAM switches the MTJ resistance byusing a current induced magnetic field to switch the magnetization ofMTJ. As the MTJ size shrinks, the switching magnetic field amplitudeincreases and the switching variation becomes severer. Hence, theincurred high power consumption limits the scaling of conventional MRAM.

Recently, a new write mechanism, which is based upon spin polarizationcurrent induced magnetization switching, was introduced to the MRAMdesign. This new MRAM design, called Spin-Transfer Torque RAM (STRAM),uses a (bidirectional) current through the MTJ to realize the resistanceswitching. Therefore, the switching mechanism of STRAM is constrainedlocally and STRAM is believed to have a better scaling property than theconventional MRAM.

However, a number of yield-limiting factors must be overcome beforeSTRAM enters the production stage. One challenge is that as thetechnology scales below 0.13 micrometer, the driving ability (inopposing directions) across the STRAM become more asymmetric requiringthe NMOS transistor of the STRAM to increase in area which limits theability to scale down the technology.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to spin-transfer torque random accessmemory. In particular, present disclosure relates to STRAM that includesa transmission gate that provides symmetric driving ability (e.g.,switching between low and high data resistance states) across the STRAM.The symmetric driving ability can be achieved even at a low voltagelevel and for scaled technology below 0.13 micrometers.

One illustrative transmission gate-based memory unit includes a magnetictunnel junction data cell electrically coupled to a bit line and asource line. A NMOS transistor is in parallel electrical connection witha PMOS transistor and they are electrically connected with the sourceline and the magnetic tunnel junction data cell. The magnetic tunneljunction data cell is configured to switch between a high resistancestate and a low resistance state by passing a polarized write currentthrough the magnetic tunnel junction data cell. The PMOS transistor andthe NMOS transistor are separately addressable so that a first writecurrent in a first direction flows through the PMOS transistor and asecond write current in a second direction flows through the NMOStransistor.

An illustrative spin-transfer torque memory unit includes a bit line, asource line, a magnetic tunnel junction data cell electrically coupledto the bit line and the source line and a transmission gate electricallybetween the source line and the magnetic tunnel junction data cell. Thetransmission gate includes a NMOS transistor in parallel electricalconnection with a PMOS transistor. The PMOS transistor and the NMOStransistor are separately addressable so that a first write current in afirst direction flows through the PMOS transistor and not the NMOStransistor and a second write current in a second direction flowsthrough the NMOS transistor and not the PMOS transistor.

Another illustrative spin-transfer torque memory apparatus includes abit line, a source line, a magnetic tunnel junction data cell and atransmission gate electrically between the source line and the magnetictunnel junction data cell. The transmission gate includes a NMOStransistor in parallel electrical connection with a PMOS transistor. TheNMOS transistor includes a NMOS gate electrode and the PMOS transistorincludes a PMOS gate electrode. A first word line is electricallycoupled to the NMOS gate electrode and a second word line iselectrically coupled to the PMOS gate electrode. The second word line iselectrically isolated from the first word line. The spin-transfer torquememory unit is configured so that a first write current in a firstdirection flows through the PMOS transistor and not the NMOS transistorand a second write current in a second direction flows through the NMOStransistor and not the PMOS transistor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosurein connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an illustrativespin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit in the low resistance state;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another spin-transfertorque MTJ memory unit in the high resistance state;

FIG. 3 is a graph of a static R-V (resistance-voltage) curve of aspin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a spin-transfer torque MTJmemory unit.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying setof drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way ofillustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The followingdetailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding ofcertain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing theteachings disclosed herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numberssubsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3,3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having pluralreferents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used inthis specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generallyemployed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearlydictates otherwise.

The present disclosure relates to spin-transfer torque random accessmemory (STRAM). In particular, present disclosure relates to STRAM thatincludes a transmission gate that provides symmetric driving ability(e.g., switching between low and high data resistance states) across theSTRAM. The symmetric driving ability can be achieved even at a lowvoltage level and for scaled technology below 0.13 micrometers.Symmetric driving ability is achieved by providing a transmission gatebetween the spin-transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memoryunit and a bit line or source line. The transmission gate includes anNMOS transistor in parallel electrical connection with a PMOStransistor. The NMOS transistor and PMOS transistor are separatelyaddressable such that only the NMOS transistor is activated to allowcurrent flow in a first direction and only the PMOS transistor isactivated to allow current flow in a second direction. While the presentdisclosure is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of thedisclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples providedbelow.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an illustrativespin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10 (e.g. STRAM) in the lowresistance state and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram ofanother spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10 (e.g. STRAM) in the highresistance state. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory unit 10includes a ferromagnetic free layer 12 and a ferromagnetic reference(i.e., pinned) layer 14. The ferromagnetic free layer 12 and aferromagnetic reference layer 14 are separated by an oxide barrier layer13 or tunnel barrier. A first electrode 15 is in electrical contact withthe ferromagnetic free layer 12 and a second electrode 16 is inelectrical contact with the ferromagnetic reference layer 14. Theferromagnetic layers 12, 14 may be made of any useful ferromagnetic (FM)alloys such as, for example, Fe, Co, Ni and the insulating barrier layer13 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as, forexample an oxide material (e.g., Al₂O₃ or MgO). Other suitable materialsmay also be used.

The electrodes 15, 16 electrically connect the ferromagnetic layers 12,14 to a control circuit providing read and write currents through theferromagnetic layers 12, 14. The resistance across the spin-transfertorque MTJ memory unit 10 is determined by the relative orientation ofthe magnetization vectors or magnetization orientations of theferromagnetic layers 12, 14. The magnetization direction of theferromagnetic reference layer 14 is pinned in a predetermined directionwhile the magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic free layer 12 isfree to rotate under the influence of a spin torque. Pinning of theferromagnetic reference layer 14 may be achieved through, e.g., the useof exchange bias with an antiferromagnetically ordered material such asPtMn, IrMn and others.

FIG. 1 illustrates the spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10 in thelow resistance state where the magnetization orientation of theferromagnetic free layer 12 is parallel and in the same direction of themagnetization orientation of the ferromagnetic reference layer 14. Thisis termed the low resistance state or “0” data state. FIG. 2 illustratesthe spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10 in the high resistance statewhere the magnetization orientation of the ferromagnetic free layer 12is anti-parallel and in the opposite direction of the magnetizationorientation of the ferromagnetic reference layer 14. This is termed thehigh resistance state or “1” data state.

Switching the resistance state and hence the data state of the MTJmemory unit 10 via spin-transfer occurs when a current, passing througha magnetic layer of the MTJ memory unit 10, becomes spin polarized andimparts a spin torque on the free layer 12 of the MTJ 10. When asufficient spin torque is applied to the free layer 12, themagnetization orientation of the free layer 12 can be switched betweentwo opposite directions and accordingly the MTJ 10 can be switchedbetween the parallel state (i.e., low resistance state or “0” datastate) and anti-parallel state (i.e., high resistance state or “1” datastate) depending on the direction of the current.

The illustrative spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10 may be used toconstruct a memory device that includes multiple MTJ memory units wherea data bit is stored in spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit by changingthe relative magnetization state of the free magnetic layer 12 withrespect to the pinned magnetic layer 14. The stored data bit can be readout by measuring the resistance of the cell which changes with themagnetization direction of the free layer relative to the pinnedmagnetic layer. In order for the spin-transfer torque MTJ memory unit 10to have the characteristics of a non-volatile random access memory, thefree layer exhibits thermal stability against random fluctuations sothat the orientation of the free layer is changed only when it iscontrolled to make such a change. This thermal stability can be achievedvia the magnetic anisotropy using different methods, e.g., varying thebit size, shape, and crystalline anisotropy. Additional anisotropy canbe obtained through magnetic coupling to other magnetic layers eitherthrough exchange or magnetic fields. Generally, the anisotropy causes asoft and hard axis to form in thin magnetic layers. The hard and softaxes are defined by the magnitude of the external energy, usually in theform of a magnetic field, needed to fully rotate (saturate) thedirection of the magnetization in that direction, with the hard axisrequiring a higher saturation magnetic field.

FIG. 3 is a graph of a static R-V sweep curve of a spin-transfer torqueMTJ memory unit. When applying a positive voltage on the secondelectrode 16 in FIG. 1 or 2, the MTJ 10 enters the positive appliedvoltage region in FIG. 3 and switches from the high resistance state(FIG. 2) to the low resistance state (FIG. 1). When applying a positivevoltage on the first electrode 15 in FIG. 1 or 2, the MTJ 10 enters thenegative applied voltage region in FIG. 3. The resistance of the MTJswitches from the low resistance state (FIG. 1) to the high resistancestate (FIG. 2).

Let R_(H) and R_(L) denote the high and low MTJ resistance,respectively. We define the Tunneling Magneto Resistance Ratio (TMR) asTMR=(R_(H)−R_(L))/R_(L). Here R_(H), R_(L) and TMR are determined byalso the sensing current or voltage, as shown in FIG. 3. Generally, alarge TMR makes it easier to distinguish the two resistance states ofthe MTJ.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a spin-transfer torque memory unit. Themagnetic tunnel junction data cell MTJ is electrically connected inseries to a transmission gate 20. The opposing side of the magnetictunnel junction data cell MTJ is electrically connected to a bit lineBL. The transmission gate 20 is electrically between a source line SLand magnetic tunnel junction data cell MTJ. The MTJ is usually modeledas a variable resistor in circuit schematic, as shown in FIG. 4. Themagnetic tunnel junction data cell MTJ is configured to switch between ahigh resistance state by passing a polarized write current through themagnetic tunnel junction data cell MTJ in a first direction and a lowresistance state by passing a polarized write current through themagnetic tunnel junction data cell MTJ in a second direction. The seconddirection opposes the first direction.

The transmission gate 20 includes a NMOS (N-typemetal-oxide-semiconductor) transistor 22 in parallel electricalconnection with a PMOS (P-type metal-oxide-semiconductor) transistor 24.A gate electrode of the NMOS transistor 22 is electrically coupled to afirst word line WL. A gate electrode of the PMOS transistor 24 iselectrically coupled to a second word line WL′. In many embodiments, thefirst word line WL is electrically isolated from the second word lineWL′ so that the first word line WL is separately addressable from thesecond word line WL′. In many embodiments, the NMOS transistor 22 andthe PMOS transistor 24 share a common source and a common drain. TheNMOS transistor 22 includes an N-channel in a P-well or P-substrate. ThePMOS transistor 24 includes a P-channel in an N-well or N-substrate.

The PMOS transistor 24 and the NMOS transistor 22 are separatelyaddressable so that a first write current in a first direction (e.g.,from node A to node B for example) flows through the NMOS transistor 22and not the PMOS transistor 24 to write a first resistance data state(e.g., a low data resistance state or “0”, for example) by activatingthe gate electrode of the NMOS transistor 22. A second write current ina second direction (e.g., from node B to node A for example) flowsthrough the PMOS transistor 24 and not the NMOS transistor 22 to write asecond resistance data state (e.g., a high data resistance state or “0”,for example) by activating the gate electrode of the PMOS transistor 24.

One illustrative advantage of this spin-transfer torque memory unit isthat when driving current from node B to node A the voltage potentialdifference between the oxide gate and the source of the PMOS transistoris kept at the supply voltage. Therefore, one transistor: NMOS fordriving current from node A to node B; and PMOS for driving current fromnode B to node A, will provide full driving ability for either drivingdirection. Thus, the transmission gate has a symmetric driving abilityfor the first write current and the second write current.

In many embodiments, the driving ability of the PMOS transistor isweaker than the one of a NMOS transistor with the same size. Therefore,a PMOS transistor larger than the NMOS transistor is utilized fordriving current from node B to node A. Besides providing symmetricdriving ability, this disclosure can easily provide any asymmetricdriving ability if necessary for example, asymmetric writing currents ofMTJ, by tuning the sizes of PMOS and NMOS transistors separately.

In many embodiments, the symmetric driving ability for the first andsecond write currents is achieved with a voltage of ±1.5V or less isapplied across the spin-transfer torque memory unit. In manyembodiments, the NMOS gate electrode has a gate length value of 0.13micrometer or less, or in a range from 0.032 micrometer to 0.10micrometer. In many embodiments, the PMOS gate electrode has a gatelength value of 0.13 micrometer or less, or in a range from 0.032micrometer to 0.10 micrometer.

In some embodiments, the PMOS transistor is body biased. Body biasingthe body (the well, for example) of a transistor refers to measuring aparameter of the transistor, and responsive to the parameter, forwardbiasing the body of the transistor. The parameter being measured can be,among others, a voltage threshold of the transistor, or a delaycharacteristic of the transistor. A body biasing signal can be appliedto the body of the PMOS transistor. In some embodiments, when writingdata through the PMOS transistor, the voltage level of the PMOS body ispulled up to increase the driving strength of the PMOS transistor.

Thus, embodiments of the TRANSMISSION GATE-BASED SPIN-TRANSFER TORQUEMEMORY UNIT are disclosed. The implementations described above and otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can bepracticed with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosedembodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims thatfollow.

1. A memory unit comprising: a magnetic tunnel junction data cellconfigured to switch between a high resistance state and a lowresistance state by passing a polarized write current through themagnetic tunnel junction data cell; and a NMOS transistor in parallelelectrical connection with a PMOS transistor, the NOMS transistor andthe PMOS transistor electrically connected with the magnetic tunneljunction data cell, a first write current in a first direction flowsthrough the PMOS transistor and a second write current in a seconddirection flows through the NMOS transistor.
 2. A memory unit accordingto claim 1, wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gate electrodeelectrically coupled to a first word line, and the PMOS transistorcomprises a PMOS gate electrode electrically coupled to a second wordline and the first word line is separately addressable from the secondword line.
 3. A memory unit according to claim 1, wherein thespin-transfer torque memory unit has a symmetric driving ability for thefirst write current and the second write current.
 4. A memory unitaccording to claim 1, wherein the spin-transfer torque memory unit has asymmetric driving ability for the first write current and the secondwrite current when a voltage of 1.5V or less is applied across thespin-transfer torque memory unit.
 5. A memory unit according to claim 1,wherein the PMOS transistor is body biased.
 6. A memory unit accordingto claim 1, wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gate electrodehaving a gate length value of 0.13 micrometer or less.
 7. A memory unitaccording to claim 1, wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gateelectrode having a gate length value in a range from 0.032 micrometer to0.10 micrometer and the spin-transfer torque memory unit has a symmetricdriving ability for the first write current of 1.5V or less and thesecond write current of −1.5V or less.
 8. A spin-transfer torque memoryunit comprising: a magnetic tunnel junction data cell configured toswitch between a high resistance state and a low resistance state bypassing a polarized write current through the magnetic tunnel junctiondata cell; and a transmission gate electrically coupled to the magnetictunnel junction data cell, the transmission gate comprising: a NMOStransistor in parallel electrical connection with a PMOS transistor, afirst write current in a first direction flows through the PMOStransistor and not the NMOS transistor and a second write current in asecond direction flows through the NMOS transistor and not the PMOStransistor.
 9. A spin-transfer torque memory unit according to claim 8,wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gate electrode electricallycoupled to a first word line, and the PMOS transistor comprises a PMOSgate electrode electrically coupled to a second word line and the firstword line is separately addressable from the second word line.
 10. Aspin-transfer torque memory unit according to claim 8, wherein thespin-transfer torque memory unit has a symmetric driving ability for thefirst write current and the second write current.
 11. A spin-transfertorque memory unit according to claim 8, wherein the spin-transfertorque memory unit has a symmetric driving ability for the first writecurrent and the second write current when a voltage of 1.5V or less isapplied across the spin-transfer torque memory unit.
 12. A spin-transfertorque memory unit according to claim 8, wherein the PMOS transistor isbody biased.
 13. A spin-transfer torque memory unit according to claim8, wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gate electrode having agate length value of 0.13 micrometer or less.
 14. A spin-transfer torquememory unit according to claim 13, wherein spin-transfer torque memoryunit has a symmetric driving ability for the first write current of 1.5Vor less and the second write current of −1.5V or less.
 15. Aspin-transfer torque memory unit comprising: a magnetic tunnel junctiondata cell comprising a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagneticreference layer separated by a oxide barrier layer, the magnetic tunneljunction data cell is configured to switch between a high resistancestate and a low resistance state by passing a polarized write currentthrough the magnetic tunnel junction data cell; and a transmission gateelectrically between the source line and the magnetic tunnel junctiondata cell, the transmission gate comprising: a NMOS transistor inparallel electrical connection with a PMOS transistor, the NMOStransistor comprising a NMOS gate electrode and the PMOS transistorcomprising a PMOS gate electrode; a first word line is electricallycoupled to the NMOS gate electrode; and a second word line iselectrically coupled to the PMOS gate electrode, the second word linebeing electrically isolated from the first word line; wherein, thespin-transfer torque memory unit is configured so that a first writecurrent in a first direction flows through the PMOS transistor and notthe NMOS transistor and a second write current in a second directionflows through the NMOS transistor and not the PMOS transistor.
 16. Aspin-transfer torque memory unit according to claim 15, wherein thespin-transfer torque memory unit has a symmetric driving ability for thefirst write current and the second write current.
 17. A spin-transfertorque memory unit according to claim 15, wherein the spin-transfertorque memory unit has a symmetric driving ability for the first writecurrent and the second write current when a voltage of 1.5V or less isapplied across the spin-transfer torque memory unit.
 18. A spin-transfertorque memory unit according to claim 15, wherein the PMOS transistor isbody biased.
 19. A spin-transfer torque memory unit according to claim15, wherein the NMOS transistor comprises a NMOS gate electrode having agate length value of 0.13 micrometer or less.
 20. A spin-transfer torquememory unit according to claim 19, wherein spin-transfer torque memoryunit has a symmetric driving ability for the first write current of 1.5Vor less and the second write current of −1.5V or less.